A tragic incident in Madisonville, Kentucky, has claimed the life of a 10-month-old baby girl, Scottie Crowell, after her grandmother allegedly forgot to drop her off at daycare. The event unfolded on Thursday, August 13, outside the Owensboro Health Multicare facility on South Main Street.
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According to local authorities, Stacey Fazenbaker, the child’s grandmother, was responsible for picking Scottie up from her daughter’s home that morning with the intention of taking her to daycare before heading to work as a physician at the healthcare centre. However, it is believed that Fazenbaker forgot the infant was still in the car when she proceeded directly to her workplace around 8 a.m. local time.
The situation took a dire turn later in the day when Scottie’s father arrived at the daycare to collect his daughter, only to learn that she had never been dropped off. This alarming discovery prompted him to contact his wife, who reached out to her mother, Fazenbaker, for answers.
Major Jason McKnight from the Madisonville Police described the frantic moments that followed. Fazenbaker, along with some of her colleagues, rushed outside in a desperate attempt to retrieve the child, but unfortunately, by the time they reached the vehicle, it was far too late. “Officers arrived on scene, followed by the Med Center and the fire department, but they found the infant unresponsive,” McKnight recounted, noting that lifesaving efforts were unfortunately unsuccessful.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, McKnight clarified that the usual investigative protocols were followed. As part of the ongoing investigation, the grandmother consented to a blood test, although police do not anticipate any significant findings from the results. “We have that at the state lab right now, and while we are awaiting results, we’re not expecting anything,” he explained.
Kentucky Child Protective Services (CPS) is actively collaborating with law enforcement during this investigation. McKnight acknowledged the emotional strain of such a tragedy, stating, “Anyone who loses a child will understandably be devastated. This situation is no different. The families involved were present, and many others have since gathered in support.”
An autopsy for the infant was conducted shortly after the incident, but the results will not be available for several weeks. Police are currently amassing information which may inform any potential charges as they move forward in their inquiry. “We are waiting to see what we can put together before determining the appropriate charges,” McKnight stated.
While formal charges have yet to be filed in this case, it will be referred to a grand jury once the investigation has concluded. The Madisonville Police Department, alongside CPS, are continuing their efforts to gather more details on this devastating occurrence.
The community of Madisonville is grappling with the heavy impact of this event. A loss of such proportion has reverberated throughout the town, marking a sorrowful chapter that emphasises the fragility of life. As investigators continue to work through the case, local residents remain in shock over the heartbreaking news of Scottie Crowell’s passing.